Mardi Himal Trek

Mardi Himal Trek is newly explored trekking route in Annapurna region that is virtually under the spectacular Fishtail (Machhapuchhre) Mountain. It is a hidden gem in the Annapurna region. Unexplored Landscapes, remote valleys, heavily rhododendron forested hill walks, then dry and deserted hill walking with the most impressive views of Mardi Himal and Mt. Fishtail view just above you is impressive in this trek. 

This trek lies in the east of Annapurna Base Camp, just below the Mt. Fishtail (Locally known as Machhapuchhre) mountain. 

First two one or two days of the trek will be along with regular route in Annapurna but then after Potana/ Deurali, the trail diverse to remote Mardi Himal range with walking in rhododendron forested hills up, rugged mountain terrain with spectacular views of Mardi Himalayas Range, Fishtail, Hiunchuli and Annapurna south.

Because this route is newly opened route in Annapurna region, it has only a basic logistic available and we will be staying in a mountain hut and teahouses on this trek. 

After the end of Nov, this route mountain hut and teahouses mostly gets closed so we will have to take tents with us to trek over this route. But we could ask local to open their huts if we are trekking to this route in winter months.

Those who would love to enjoy the great landscapes and specular Annapurna Himalayas views but want to avoid crowds of regular Annapurna treks, and then this trek is the best option. 

This trek is growing as alternative treks of Ghorepani- Poon Hill Trek in the lower loop in Annapurna.

Customize Your Own Trek!


This trek itinerary provided here is a standard itinerary prepared to this trip but if you want to customize your own itinerary for this trekking adventure at your timeline and interest, do write us, and we will be very pleased to customize this trek to your need. We are more than happy to customize this trip to your requirements. 

Day 01 Arrival day in Kathmandu
Altitude: 1350m/4428ft
Meals: Welcome Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu

Our airport representative will be at arrival gate to pick up from the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. From the Airport to hotel we will have short drive and you will be checked in our Hotel.  We will host welcome dinner at evening with traditional Nepalese cuisine. Overnight in Kathmandu

Day 02 Drive from Kathmandu to Pokhara valley, 5-6 hrs drive
Altitude: 823m/2,700ft
Activities: Driving
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara

Today early morning we drive by tourist bus to Pokhara. The city of Lake Pokhara is an incredible place for the refreshment where we can reach by crossing the various scenic places, beautifully terraced farms, and little shops by the side of the road and the raging Trishuli River. Pokhara will provide the significant opportunity to have the great views of the Himalayas including Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Machhapuchhre, and the five peaks of Annapurna. Overnight in Pokhara

Day 03 Drive to Phedi and trek to Deurali 30 minutes’ drive, 4-5 hours trek
Altitude: 2100m/6,720ft
Activities: Driving and Trekking
Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Teahouse/lodges

After breakfast, we drive by private vehicle to Phedi and start trekking from there. We walk on stone steps, terraced fields and through villages and forests before reaching Dhampus where we have lunch. We continue our walk to Deurali, which is a small village beautifully, located on a ridge with good views of the Annapurna South, Mardi Himal and Macchhapuchhare. Overnight in Deurali.

Day 04 Deurali to low camp 5-6 hours
Altitude: 2970m/9504ft
Activities: Trekking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/lodges

After breakfast, we start our day and the trail passes through lush forest dotted with the rhododendrons. The flowers are a common sight in Nepalese hills and it is no surprise that its Nepal’s national flower. Our trail is very quiet until we reach a clearing of the forest camp. We continue our walk through the dense forests admiring Nepal’s rich biodiversity. From low camp, the fantastic view of Mt. Machapuchhre (Mt. Fishtail) up the valley is mesmerizing. We can spend time in the evening observing the local lifestyle. Overnight in low camp.

Day 05 Low camp to high camp 4-5 hours
Altitude: 3540m/11,328ft
Activities: Trekking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/lodges

As like previous days we start our trek after breakfast and today we trek uphill alongside a ridge towards Mardi Himal and Macchhapuchhre. The tree lines start getting thinner and the area mostly consists of shrubs with isolated rhododendron bushes along the trail. If lucky, we might even come across the Daphne pheasant (national bird of Nepal) on our way to high camp. We ascend up to the high camp, which the final destination of the day. From here the mountain views are stunning. Overnight in high camp.

Day 06 High camp to Mardi Himal Base Camp and continue back to Siding Village 
Altitude: 4500m/14763ft
Activities: Trekking
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Accommodation: Teahouse/lodges

This wonderful area offering the grand vista of beautiful landscapes and snow-clad peaks in perfect tranquility heading higher to reach at High Camp as the air gets thinner and cooler with the steep climb to reach High Camp where tree lines fade to short rhododendron and juniper bushes. Here at High Camp with a lonely lodge for overnight accommodation with basic facilities commanding super views of Annapurna Himalaya.

Day 07 Trek from Siding village (1750m) 5,740ft to MardiPul then drive to Pokhara - 4 Hrs
Altitude: 823m/2,700ft
Activities: Trekking and Driving
Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Pokhara

Our last day walk of this fabulous adventure on the hidden trails of the Annapurna region walk follows the Mardi River on the wide valley reaching warmer areas of rice/paddy farm villages finally walk ends at Mardi village for a short drive back to Pokhara for a overnight stop by the serene Phewa Lake. Overnight in Pokhara

Day 08 Drive from Pokhara to Kathmandu, 5-6 hrs drive
Altitude: 1,300m/4,264 ft
Activities: Driving
Meals: Breakfast & Farewell Dinner
Accommodation: Hotel in Kathmandu

Early morning drive by tourist bus to Pokhara through the beautiful Nepalese countryside to reach the Kathmandu. On arrival at Kathmandu guide will transfer to the hotel and rest of the time relax or explore the surrounding areas and overnight at hotel.

Day 09 Departure from Kathmandu
Altitude: 1,300m/4,264 ft
Activities: Departure
Meals: Breakfast

Today before departure you can do last minute shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives or you can commence any extra trips or activities you may have booked with us. If departing, you'll be transferred to the Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination.
“End of our services”

Cost Includes:

• All group transportation in Kathmandu by private vehicle
• 02 Nights twin sharing accommodation in Kathmandu at 3 star hotel on BB plan
• Kathmandu- Pokhara- Kathmandu transfer by tourust bus
• 02 Night twin sharing accommodation in Pokhara on BB plan
• Mardi Himal Trek Permit, Annapurna (ACAP) Trekking Permit/TIMS Card- Trekkers Security Card
• Drive from Pokhara to Kande (Trekking starting Point) & Drive from Lumre ( trek endinf Point) to Pokhara by private vehicle
• 04 Nights/ 05 Days of Mardi Himal Trek at full board of meals (B, L, D, Tea or Coffee in cups only), seasonal fruits
• Mardi Himal Trek accommodation at local  lodges & tea houses huts Guest House in twin share. 
• One Advanced Adventures Trek Leader (Gov. Licensed, first aid and eco trained), assistance leader/s in group of 4 or more trekkers in a group, One trek porter in every two trekkers to carry trek baggage’s, all of their payment & insurance 
• AA Trek Duffle Bag, Trekking Maps, Adventure Certificate
• Down Jacket & Sleeping Bags for Trek use
• Welcome Dinner in one of the Typical Nepalese Restaurant in Kathmandu( Eating Nepali Food with Cultural Atmosphere) & Farewell dinner at one of the finest restaurant in town
• High Altitude Medicine
• All Gov. and local taxes as applicable 

Cost not Includes:

• Nepal Visa (Could easily be obtain on arrival in Kathmandu Airport), in/out flight to Kathmandu from your homeland country
• Cost of lunch and evening meals in Kathmandu & Pokhara
• Cost of beverages, mineral water, beer etc. while on trek
• Travel insurance (Must includes Helicopter evacuation and trip cancellation)
• Personal nature expenses & Tips 
• Any extending trips

OUR GUIDES, TRIP AND SAFETY
Because these hikes take you on the remote Himalayan region, it is very essential that you be accompanied with the very experienced and qualified leader for the safe and successful trip. We Advanced Adventure employee the local trek guide and stuff who are trained and qualified on the trip we worked on. Our guides are trained and licensed from Nepal Gov. certify from Nepal Tourism Board.

At every trip, there would be our one Trek leader and one assistance leader on each additional 2 peoples on the trek- this arrangement would ensure that even if any of our guide/ assistance guides get sick or if any travelers gets sick and need to be back or delay the days of walking, it would still works smoothly and there would not be any impact on our original trek plan. Also each two trekker would have one Sherpa helper for carrying your trekking bags. 

PASSPORT & VISA INFORMATION
Nepal visa is the easiest visa to obtain; you may buy your Nepal visa at your nearest Nepalese Embassy/ Consulate or Mission offices abroad or buy this upon on arrival to Kathmandu international airport as per your convenient. You have to have 2 passport size photographs, Visa fees in US cash & valid passport at least for 6 months valid at the starting of the trip. 

Tourist Visa Fees:
Multiple entry    15 days    - US$ 30 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry    30 days    - US$ 50 or equivalent convertible currency
Multiple entry    90 days    - US$ 125 or equivalent convertible currency

Download visa form-: www.immi.gov.np 

GROUP SIZE:  
In this Mardi Himal Trek, the minimum group size would be two and maximum group size is ten or more on request. We can also organize private trip to solo person with single supplement cost. Else, join our estimated group departure dates available or ask us with your personal dates, we will open group date on the same date.

MEALS AND ACCOMMODATIONS: 
Your accommodation in Kathmandu & Pokhara will be your own. While in this trek; your accommodation is at Mt. Lodge and local teahouses. Our entire accommodation is at twin share unless stated but triple sharing accommodation is also available on personal request. 

During trek, full board of meals is provided (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner, and Tea- Coffee). We provide you food from the local tea- house/ Mt. Lodge from en route. Breakfast and dinner is to be provided from the same tea- house/ guesthouse we would overnight but lunch would be en route in between. You will have basic choice of food on this trek. 

TREKKING SEASONS:
We do have two best seasons to attempt this trek to Mardi Himal Trek. We always suggest you to come at the right time of the year to enjoy this trek with best weather and excellent visibility. Below is our seasons. 

Spring: - (March, April, May) - Best warmest time to trek. Rhododendron flowers in bloom- excellent trails and clear skies, best visibility. Good Temperature, warmest weather of the year.

Autumn: - (Mid September, October and November) - excellent trails, clear blue skies, best visibility. 

Winter months: - (December, January and February) are also good, but it’s obviously colder. You have to be prepared for this. It is up to you to plan this trek at this cold time or not.

Summer: - Monsoon, so rain and visibility can be a big issue (from Mid June, July and August). But trekking can be done without any hesitation. Bring your raincoat.

MOUNTAIN WEATHER:
The weather conditions in the mountains are notoriously difficult to predict. During the day it can be nice and warm and the nights are generally always cooler. The weather you will experience at Mardi Himal is simply extreme and rather unpredictable so it is best to be prepared for all eventualities. Temperature during this trek,, the expected temperature during a day is from 5-12 degree Celsius during the spring and autumn months. The nights can fall into 0 to negative 5 degree celsius. However, above given chats of temperature are the expected but temperature can be different as per the everyday weather conditions of the mountain so it is unpredictable. Expect the unexpected!

TRAVEL INSURANCE & VACCINATION:
You must obtain personal travel insurance to join us for our Himalayan trips. You must be having a travel insurance, which must cover helicopter evacuation, trip cancellation and medical expenses. And it is suggested that you buy your insurance policy from you homeland country before travelling, as it is difficult buying local travel insurance policy at Nepal. Vaccination is generally requested to plan to your trip to Nepal but it is not a must to have thing to come, but highly suggested. Your doctor will have the information of vaccination you would require to the country you will be travelling. Hepatitis A, Japanese Encephalitis, Polio, Rabies, Tetanus, Typhoid and Malaria etc. are the recommended vaccination for travel Nepal. 

PACK LIST:
It is essential to have warm clothing and equipment to plan this trip. Here below are some suggestions for planning this trek to Mardi Himal. Please take it as a reference and prepare your own clothing and equipment.

Head: Sun hat or scarf, Light balaclava or warm fleece hat, Sunglasses with UV protection, and Lip balm
Upper Body: T- Shirts (2), Light and expedition weight thermal tops, Fleece jacket or pullover, Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional), Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket
Hands: Lightweight gloves
Lower Body: Underwear (3), Hiking shorts (2), Lightweight cotton long pants, Light and expedition weight thermal bottoms, Fleece or wool pants, Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) 
Feet: Thin, lightweight inner socks (3), Thick, warm wool hiking socks (2), Hiking boots with spare laces
Camp shoes (sneakers and/ or sandals)
Accessories: Sleeping bag rated to zero degrees F, Headlamp with spare bulbs and batteries, Small padlock or combination lock, Basic First Aid Kit, Large plastic bags- for keeping items dry inside trek bag
Daypack (you will carry your own small daypack), Water bottles (2), Hiking poles/ walking sticks
Toiletries: Soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothbrush etc, Earplugs, Small wash towel
Extras: Camera with extra batteries and cards/ film, Binoculars, Reading book |Trail Map/ Guide book
Journal & Pen, IPod & Travel games (i.e. cards, chess, and backgammon)

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL
Advanced Adventures is committed to Responsible Travel and true sustainability. It was a commitment formed when the company was established, and today, in the face of a multitude of threats to the environment, our commitment is stronger than ever. We aim to ensure that our destinations retain their natural character and cultural diversity for future generations as it is. This vision can only be achieved with the support of all of our travelers and our team effort. We encourage our customers to be sensitive when it comes to photography and dress code, urging travelers to respect difference, privacy, and modesty.  We also consider the effects of tourism on our destinations and promote responsible travel on our trips. We care for the proper wages and proper working conditions for our porters and mountain guides who work with us for our entire trips. In addition, Advanced Adventures is also working to support rural Himalayan community with coordination with Pioneer Foundation Nepal, which is non- profitable organization that carries social projects in rural mountains/ Himalayan community in Gorkha, which is one of the rural communities in the country. 

BOOKING A TRIP
Once you would choose which trip you would like to book with us, write us with the information or phone us on our phone number for the trip booking confirmation. We have online trip booking option, you may go on that link, choose your trip and date and follow the instruction with information required and summit us.Once your trip-booking request would be received, we would suggest you the final trip booking procedure with advance payment of the trip. Non-refundable deposit of 20% (per person) is required to confirm a place on your selected adventure. Please don't hesitate to contact us in relation to any questions you may have regarding our trip booking Process. 

Meantime, if you any questions, Confusion, do not hesitate to write us at- info@advadventures.com Thanking you!